The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. (Photo courtesy City-Cowley County Health Department)
The City-Cowley County Health Department received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, according to a news release Tuesday.
This is the second shipment of COVID-19 vaccine to reach Cowley County.
The Pfizer vaccine was received by William Newton Hospital last week.
A total of 14 front line staff at the health department received their first dose of the vaccine this morning. The second will be given in 28 days later.
The overall feeling throughout the offices was one of excitement and hope, according to the news release.
“What we do sets the tone for what our employees and peers will follow,” stated Public Health Officer Tom Langer, immediately
following his vaccination. “This is nothing to be afraid of and by doing this we going to finally be able to turn the tide on this pandemic.
Cowley County Public Health Officer Thomas Langer receives the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday. (Photo courtesy City-Cowley County Health Department)
“We’ve not had a tool to fight back with and now we do”
Along with the Health Department staff, 2 Eagle Med staff were also immunized.
Vaccine was also shared with the South Central Kansas Medical Center to ensure their front line staff is immunized as well. As future shipments of vaccine are received, vaccinations will be expanded to other medical staff throughout the county, as well as senior citizens and those with underlying illness; followed thereafter by the general public.
At present time, there is no vaccine yet marketed for children under 16, though that potential is likely in the future.
“The entire process has been, and will remain, a fluid endeavor,” Langer said. “There have been few ‘definites’ with the COVID-19 pandemic and timing of vaccine distribution is no different.
“However, the public can be assured that we are already preparing for how to quickly and effectively distribute the vaccine as we receive it.
“We’re still all in this together.”
Deaths in Cowley County attributed to the virus are estimated to be over 40 since the pandemic began.
Over the weekend, Langer reported at least 37 deaths, but said the number is likely higher since not all COVID-related deaths are reported to the health department.
As of Monday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported 2,260 confirmed cases of the virus in Cowley County since March, however, Langer has also cautioned the number is likely higher due to underreported cases of individuals who may have had the virus without confirmation by the health department throughout the year and recovered.
